Tag: christianity

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 9: Year 1

Morning,  Psalm 16 and 17; Evening,  Psalm 22;
1^st  Samuel 17:17 to 30; Acts 10:34 to 48; Mark 1:1 to 13:

“Then Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced:” (Acts 10; 34 to 37).

Peter proclaims that anyone, in any nation, who acknowledges, and respects God Almighty, and lives in accordance with what is acceptable to God, is acceptable by God.

Peter also reminds us of the message of peace preached by our Lord Jesus Christ.  He points out that this message of peace began in Galilee and then went to Judea and the rest of the earth.

As one who has visited Israel, and in particular, Galilee, I have a real appreciation of God’s decision to begin the Jesus path in Galilee.  God could have started it in Bethlehem where David and Jesus were born. But chose instead, the region of Galilee, the region of the Gentiles, to show God is the God of all people: Jews and Gentiles alike. As Peter says, “God shows no partiality.

As we step back away from planet earth we will notice something very special about the region of Galilee.  First of all, the world’s lowest level body of fresh water (Lake Galilee, also known as the Sea of Galilee or Tiberius), is located there. It drains back into the Jordan River from whence the lake is filled, and where John baptized our Lord Jesus.  I too was blessed to have been baptized (again) while visiting there in 2018. 

The picture that I use for the head of this blog everyday is the one I took while there.  I was very moved by seeing the same terrain and horizon that our Lord Jesus must have looked at as he was with the fisherman on that same lake some 2000 plus years ago.

Love is the final resolve for all of us. But, if we can’t find ourselves able to show love, let us at least make peace with one another. God almighty sent to the people of Israel, and to us all over the world, our Lord Jesus, showing no partiality regarding race, faith, politics, gender, language or nationality, by preaching peace through this same Jesus Christ; walking in Galilee, and now Risen, and with us everywhere.  He is Lord of all.

Today we remember Benedict, Founder of Western Monasticism, (July 11) and his information may be found at: Benedict of Nursia.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom. 

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (For the Human Family: BCP p. 815)

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 9: Year C

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

“Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10: 20)

Before we get to the above quote, Jesus says twice for them to eat whatever they are served and to not go from house to house, and whether they are welcomed or not, to let them know that the kingdom of heaven has come near.  Jesus wants us to be fully with the people that receive us. Jesus wants us to fully be with them in their homes and at their tables. And if this can’t be, let them know still, that it does not stop the oncoming of the kingdom of heaven.

This kingdom of heaven is the new place of our citizenship and where we belong if we love the Lord and follow in God’s Ways. This is where our Christened names are filed. We should rejoice that our names are on the rolls of heaven. I don’t think it means that we got everything right, but whatever is amiss in us will be straightened out when we get there.

This is still our Independence Day extended Weekend.  We celebrate our temporal citizenship as Americans who are free to govern ourselves by majority rule as made manifest by the vote.  Scripture informs us that the majority does not always get it right.  The majority wanted Aaron to make a idol calf to worship for the people in the wilderness (Exodus 32:1 – 6).  Likewise, it was the majority of the people in Jerusalem who insisted that Jesus be condemned to death (John 18:35).  We have much to be thankful for as Americans. Our Independence freed us from the tyranny of a monarch so that we could start our own self-governance.  However, even in that governance, not all were treated as equals.  We are getting better. We are evolving.  Over time we are truly becoming more Christ-like even given that we were not founded as A Christian nation, but rather an independent nation.

America, I believe, is that city shining on a hill as stated by our former President Ronald Reagan.  We are a light to the nations. When we lift our voice to God in prayer, we can’t know how God will respond.  We only know that God “will” respond.  Like Naaman of 2^nd Kings 5 for today, we must listen and obey God’s leadership and let go of our own preconceived ideas about how God should respond to us.   We must live into what it means to be the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”

When doing all the good that we can do, following the commands of Jesus, we will see amazing things, amazing transformations taking place in people. We will see Jesus at work in the people we take Jesus to, and see them transformed.  And we will notice that evil begins to diminish like Satan falling from the heavens; the heavens where we will reside forever.  It’s all part of God’s plan and it is truly marvelous in our eyes.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us Pray: (BCP p. 230)

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Saturday of Proper 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 137:1-6, and 144; Evening,  Psalm 104;
1^st  Samuel 14:16 to 30; Acts 9:10 to 19a; Luke 23:32 to 43:

“One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?  Save yourself and us; (Luke 23:39).

Often as we read scripture we are led to think or believe in the way the writer wants us to.  I always ask those with me to be aware of the writer’s bias. The writer of Luke, whom I admire and from whom I learn so much, I still must hold accountable. 

As we have our Lord Jesus crucified but still alive, we have the words of the people; “And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiahof God, his chosen one!” (Luke 23:35).   And in the next verse we hear from the Roman soldiers; “The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”  (Luke 23:36 and 37).  We have these words about saving himself from people walking around but not on a cross.

This is why I look carefully at the words of the crucified men.  We are told by Luke that the first crucified speaker “derided” Jesus saying “Are you not the Messiah?  Save yourself and us.”  I think it is the, “and us,” part that draws me to him.  As I too am a man that knows well that I am a sinner I want our Lord Jesus to not only save himself but to save me also.  I too am on my cross as I deserve to be and I want our Lord Jesus to save me as only he can. 

We must remember that Luke never met Jesus.  Luke received the stories of Jesus from Peter and Paul, (Paul, who also never met Jesus before he was crucified) and Luke passed these words on to us with the interpretation he was given when he received these words.

But this so-called deriding criminal was the only one that asked for his own salvation as well as Jesus saving himself.  Sometimes one has to be in a situation where death is near to really appreciate the need for being saved. And my beloved of the Lord, that’s where we all are today; we are crucified with our Lord Jesus.  We have sinned and strayed from the ways of God and are in need of our Lord Jesus saving himself and us.  And Jesus does exactly that. We too look for the day we are in paradise with our Lord Jesus. When we learn to love we also learn not to rush to judgment.  The man on the cross may not have been mocking Jesus as we are led to believe, as were those who were walking around thinking they were not going to die (ever).  There is truth in his words about the need for salvation for us all. 

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)      

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 8: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 106:1-18; Evening, Psalm 106:19-48:

1 Samuel 10:17-27; Acts 7:44-8:1a; Luke 22:52-62

“Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, ‘Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit?  When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”  (Luke 22 52 – 53)

Jesus has done no criminal offence and yet the religious authorities come to arrest him. Many God centered people since this time have been killed because of their beliefs, especially when such beliefs undermine and threaten the comfort and power of those in charge, the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders.

I am very glad to be able to live in a country that insists on religious freedom including the right to be non religious if we so choose. We are not a theocracy. However, we still have a ways to go in not persecuting people whose beliefs differ from main stream religious persecutors.  Many such beliefs have to do with sexual orientation and issues around the subject of abortion. Also there are concerns around the death penalty and war itself.

I continue to follow a path that asks the question “how is love and compassion informing me.”  It’s not always what you might think.  Love asks questions like “who needs protection?”  Love asks questions like “what is the likely outcome if I do nothing?”  What’s at stake?  As I look around the table at my children and myself, who are the ones in need but perhaps say nothing?  I am old enough now to say that all people in their fifties and below are my children (and grandchildren) as well as (hopefully) my friends.  It doesn’t matter if they don’t get along with each other or with me.  It doesn’t matter if they speak my language or if they can speak at all, they are my children and my friends.  I may be called into a conflict with them, or forgive them for some mistaken deed, or just accept them the way God made them.  They are my child-friends.

We should not come out after our child-friends with hate like the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders as if they were bandits.  They should be in the temple of our hearts. How does love and compassion inform us about how we should treat those with whom we do not agree?  Let us not let the power of darkness gain control of our actions but rather let us follow what love and compassion asks us to do.  Find someone twenty or more years younger than you and adopt them as your child-friend, the more different they are from you, the better.

Today we remember Saints Peter and Paul (Transferred from June 29) and their information may be found at: St. Peter and St. Paul.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (Remembering Saint Peter and Saint Paul June 29: BCP p. 241)

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 8: Year C

Luke 9:51-62:

“And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Thenthey went on to another village.” (Luke 9:52 – 59)

The Samaritans are people who Jesus often showed as examples of godly love.  The Woman at the well who said, “come see a man who has told me everything I have ever done,” (John 4).  And, the Good Samaritan of Luke (10: 30 – 37), who tended to the man left for dead by robbers. So Jesus saw the love of the Samaritans.  But they were also very tribal.

Samaritans did not like the Israelites or anyone who liked the Israelites.  So when they saw that Jesus was going to Jerusalem they cut him and his followers off.  It’s the old saying that the friend of my enemy is my enemy. But this attitude does not work.  All of us have been gifted by God to be friendly with people regardless of who they like of don’t like. The trouble is, we choose not to.

When James and John asked if they could call down fire on them Jesus turned and rebuked them.  This is some insight as to the power that they had through Jesus. It seems to be no doubt that they could do such a thing, but needed permission to do so.  They forget however, that when Jesus sent them out in pairs to heal and cast out demons he said to them, receive those who receive you.  And, if they don’t receive you just knock off the dust from your shoes and keep on moving.  But even to them, let them know that the kingdom of heaven has come near.

We also have those who want to follow Jesus, But! Words like but and however, often flip the script. Basically, Jesus says there is no but. People can be faith-dead before their bodies give out. Jesus says let them bury themselves. People come up with reasons to not follow their hearts now and in the moment. Jesus says for us to make up our minds and keep it moving, don’t look back. I like to quote Nike here, “Just Do It!”

So, there is no part of Jesus that retaliates or procrastinates. Jesus loves those who do not accept Him as much as He loves those who hesitates in their following, and as much as He love us who follow without pause. We get nothing extra for being dedicated followers. We are the dedicated assistants of Christ Jesus for the glory of God. And that is reward in itself.  As followers of Jesus we should not retaliate or procrastinate either.  Accept those who accept you.  Be patient with those who do not accept you in this moment. Be pleasant to all. Try to love all.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (Proper 8, BCP p. 230)

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Friday of Proper 7: Year 1

 Morning, Psalm 102; Evening,  Psalm 107:1 to 32;
1^st  Samuel 9:1 to 14; Acts 7:17 to 29; Luke 22:31 to 38:

“He said to them, ‘But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one.  For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, “And he was counted among the lawless”; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.’ They said, ‘Lord, look, here are two swords.’ He replied, ‘It is enough: (Luke 22: 36 to 38).

I have studied the history of the Amish.  What I admire about the Amish is that they really walk their faith. Their faith however, includes pacifism. They are among the most pacifist people on the face of the earth.  Because of this they were completely decimated in Europe because of their refusal to defend themselves. They found safety in the “armed” American Colonies, Pennsylvania in particular.

The Hebrew Testament is replete with examples of God assisting the fighting efforts to fulfill God’s plan for the Israelites, and, by extension, all humanity. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and others fought to accomplish God’s will for us today.  Now, in our Gospel reading for today, we have our Lord Jesus saying “sell what you can and buy a sword because the day is going to come that you will need it.”

The sword was the personal protection of that day. The sword was not a hunting tool which could be said of the spear or bow and arrow.  It was not used to prepare food as is a knife. No, the sword was specifically made for use as a weapon against human oppression. Today’s sword is a pistol. 

As a thirty year United States Marine, now retired but still true to what it means to be a Marine, I support the right to have and use guns as personal protection.  Some may ask how I balance being a gun owner with being a priest.  I think our Lord Jesus, speaking to the future Christian priests of the New Testament, answers that question.  “He replied [regarding having two weapons], ‘It is enough.”  Some interpreters and commentaries will try to read something else into Jesus’ words.  I say, Jesus said it, and it is what it is. 

Let us learn from the European lesson in the history of the Amish, as well as God’s guidance with Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and others. And let us hear what our Lord Jesus says about protecting our continued way of Christian life after His sacrifice.  We must be true to our faith as we understand it. This is something we each must ponder with God’s help in our Sabbath time.  Thank You Lord Jesus.

Today we remember Cornelius Hill, Priest and Chief among the Oneida (1907) and his information may be found at: Cornelius Hill.

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done” (Genesis 2:1 and 2). So, for this evening and tomorrow day my friends, Shabbat Shalom. 

What is Shabbat? Intro to the Jewish Sabbath – YouTube

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (BCP p. 290-291)                                               

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalm 101 and 109; Evening,  Psalm 119:121 to144;
1 Samuel 7:2-17; Acts 6:1-15; Luke 22:14-23:

“And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word:” (Acts 6: 2 to 4)

Every time this reading comes up in our Daily Office Lectionary I can’t help but refute it. It is not the understanding I have of who Jesus is or what he would have us do. In the Gospel accounts we have Jesus ordering the apostles to feed the people; “But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat:” (Matthew 14:16).

Too often today clergy sometimes see themselves as too important to fulfill the most basic of needs. There are many things that our Lord Jesus did that we, (clergy, doctors, or any vocation), simply cannot do. We can’t cure all diseases, or bring people back to life.  But most of us can feed those who are hungry or teach those who want to know what we know.  We can buy a hungry person something to eat. We can teach adults to read. We can drive someone to a medical appointment or other place they need to be. We can teach young children to sing songs of hope.  We, none of us who follow our Lord Jesus, should think of ourselves as above providing the basic needs of people. 

We still need to find time to pray and hear the words of God and meditate on the Holy Spirit of God. But such contemplation should not stop us from the basic and important duty of taking care of those who lack the basic needs of life, or just needs a faith companion.  Our love must be shown in how we care for others. We should not send them away or put this labor of love on someone else.  Our Lord Jesus is still saying to priests and pastors, “You give them something to eat.”

Today we remember James Weldon Johnson, Poet (1938) and his information may be found at: James Weldon Johnson.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: For the Poor and the Neglected (BCP p. 826)  

Almighty and most merciful God, we [Priests and Pastors] remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Daily Office Readings for Tuesday of Proper 7: Year 1

Morning, Psalms 97, 99; Evening, Psalm 94;
1^st  Samuel 6:1to 16; Acts 5:27 to 42; Luke 21:37 to 22:13:

“So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!” (Acts 5: 38 and 39)

A Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel gave the council two examples of how uprisings settled themselves when they are not from God.  However, he asks them, and us, to be patient with this Jesus movement. He says if it is from human origin it will be made evident. But if it is from God, we have no choice but to obey.  Smart words I think.

In all my undertakings I ask if it is of God, or, where do I see God in it?  If I can’t see God in it anywhere, it is time to move on to something else.  Also, I must remember that God is love.  So, I must ask if there is love in the undertaking that I am pursuing. If no love, no God, then I go, no further.  I have always said that I can’t see where God is at this present moment in my life, only where God has been in my life. What I am saying now is not counter to what I have always said. 

While God is illusive, and can’t be seen, God’s presence as love is readily revealed if we look for it. And if there are conflicts between the call of God and what the unloving among us are saying, then we must remember what Peter and the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than any human authority:” (Acts 5:29).  We can tell if God is in it, if love is in it.

God has no plan B for us. The seed of Jesus is growing more and more every day. In the end we will learn to truly love one another. In so doing, we will make heaven manifest right here on earth where God’s will, will be done.

Today we remember The Birth of john the Baptist of the New Testament and his information may be found at: Nativity of John the Baptist.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist June 24 (BCP p. 241)

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday, Proper 7: Year C

Luke 8:26 to 39:

“And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the abyss.” Luke:8:31.”

Before evil shows itself, good thrives. The man in our Gospel according to Luke for today, who may even be a father, seems to be a good man who was overcome by multiple demons.  It seems our Lord Jesus has dealt with these legion demon spirits in this man before. It also seems that Jesus has compassion even for the demons. All Jesus has to do is order them to go into the abyss and they must do it. The demons know who Jesus is, but we (Christians) often have a problem understanding who He is.

I’ve said this before but it’s worth pondering again.  The demons ask for permission to enter the pigs near Lake Galilee. Jesus allows them to do it.  So the demons enter the pigs, the pigs go into the lake.  The pigs drown, but not necessarily the spirit demons.  Poor pigs. 

Of course being Jewish, perhaps even the Jewish Jesus would not care about swine. Or maybe Jesus did not think the demons would drive the pigs into the water. Perhaps further pondering is in order here.

The demons, which have survived multiple times of being cast out of the man who haunts the tombs,  and apparently aware of the abyss, now only have to survive drowning pigs. Once in the water, they can move into the fish in the lake.  It seems they only need an animal host to exist.  These same fish are then caught by the very men Jesus has recruited to carry out the Gospel. Weird huh?

The healed man asks to tag alone with Jesus but he was denied. Jesus tells him to go to his home and tell the people what God has done for him.  He then goes and says what “Jesus” has done for him.  I hope they understood that Jesus is God Incarnate. Do we?

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: The Collect for This Sunday

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving­-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.